[posted by Lydia Turkaly]
“Vacation is what you take when you can’t take what you’ve been taking any longer”
-The Wizard of Oz
A trip to Haiti may not be the first “vacation” destination
that comes to mind…but sometimes it’s just good to step back and get away from
it all. I was so looking forward to taking
a break from emails and tv and just the general craziness of daily life that
stresses me out.
It had been 4 years since I’d been to Haiti so I was in for
a bit of a surprise to find the rectory in Cerca now with full electricity
(well 95% of the time) and a TV (though a very small one). There was even wifi now, even if it was out
more than it was available.
Daily life for me includes constant checking of emails and
texts and lists of tasks to accomplish before the next round of tasks is
assigned. I feel like I am constantly
trying to keep up. What is most
important is often replaced by what is most urgent. I am a worrier and my
anxiety is often high. Haiti was
sounding better by the second.
I did thoroughly enjoy NOT being available 24 hours a
day. I loved being able to allow myself
to relax and look around and enjoy the chickens running across the yard, the
beautiful palm trees, and the constant smiles and laughter of my group and the
people of Cerca.
All that being said, there is no shower like the first warm
shower after your return, no bed more luxurious than your own, after 8 days
away, no water more appreciated than the clean free flowing water that comes
from your faucet. The simple things in
life are often taken for granted. Haiti
helps me to refocus and reenergizes me to move forward and remember what is truly
important in life.
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